Council member seeks diversionary program
BRIDGEPORT — A member of Stratford’s Town Council accused of drunken driving applied for a pretrial diversionary program that could see the charges against him dropped.
William Perillo, 51, a Republican who represents District 7 on the council, appeared in court Thursday on charges he drove drunk on the Merritt Parkway while doing 117 mph last month.
In court, Perillo raised his right hand to swear he had no prior criminal record and verbally applied to take part in the pretrial alcohol education program, a diversionary program for first-time offenders.
If a judge grants his entry to the program, Perillo would take part in alcohol counseling. If he completes the program, the charges would be dismissed.
Perillo is scheduled to return to court Dec. 9.
He and his lawyer, Peter Billings, declined to comment Thursday as they left the Golden Hill Street courthouse.
He faces charges of operating under the influence, reckless driving, disobeying the signal of an officer and f ailure to drive in the proper lane.
In a prepared statement last month, Mayor Laura Hoydick said she had been made aware of Perillo’s arrest.
“The offenses he is charged with are grave and alarming and I am grateful no one was injured,” Hoydick said. “Driving under the influence is a serious allegation which I don't take lightly. We await the outcome of the legal process that needs to take place.”
State police said Perillo, a retired police officer, was stopped about 10:10 p.m. Sept. 12 near Exit 53 on Route 15 southbound.
“Observed vehicle at high rate of speed,” wrote Sgt. Robert Olechowski, who was listed on the police report as the investigating trooper. “Vehicle clocked at 117MPH in clearly posted 55MPH zone. The operator initially accelerated refusing to stop. The operator continued for a considerable distance before finally slowing then bringing his vehicle to a stop.”
Perillo allegedly “exhibited numerous indicators he was under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody for (motor vehicle) violations observed,” the summary said.
Immediately after stopping the vehicle, Perillo complained of difficulty breathing, police said. He was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport by Stratford EMS for treatment.
There, he allegedly f ailed a field sobriety test and was charged with DUI.
He was released on a $2,500 bond “to the care of the hospital staff,” according to state police.